Your milestone moments,

just as you want them.

A wedding, memorial, or other milestone ceremony should be an intimate reflection

of your life, your personality, and your understanding of the Divine—

not just something that's read from a book, in someone else's words.

This only happens when someone with the right combination of skills, presence, and heart

listens to you, hears who you are, and discovers what touches your soul.

Drawing on your spiritual heritage and preferences, the sacred texts of the great faiths,

and poetry, readings and music from many sources,

I will craft a ceremony that is deeply personal, as individual as you or the person it is for,

and long remembered by everyone in attendance.

Whether it’s a full ceremony or simply a few special prayers/thoughts for a private occasion,

I can help you mark every special moment and milestone with sweetness, depth, and sacred presence.

"...what stands out most for me is the atmosphere, the tone of Darby's voice,

the reverence and the sheer humanness of her words..."

Please scroll down to explore the possibilities--then let's talk!

Life Celebrations: Services Schedule

WEDDINGS

"With life as short as a half taken breath,

don't plant anything but Love."

--Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi

Few occasions bring as much joy as weddings. And the most joyous of these are the ceremonies that truly reflect the personalities of the couple. I have many resources for prayers, rituals, vows, music and other elements from which you can choose--or you can create your own. Whether you are both of the same faith, no faith, or from different traditions, I can guide you in selections that will create both a deeply meaningful ceremony and the kind of atmosphere you want. The result will be the wedding ceremony YOU want it to be, and a joyous, magical experience for all.

"We want to thank you for the amazing ceremony you gave us on our wedding day. You made the ceremony exactly how we wanted it to be: intimate and with meaning. Our families couldn't stop complimenting you on what a great ceremony you performed. Nothing was over the top....it was us! Which is what we wanted, what we got, and what we will cherish for years to come. Thank you so much for being a big part of our day! We love you!!"

--Lorin & Chris S.

"Darby was instrumental in making our wedding exactly what we wanted. When we first talked with her we just had scattered thoughts of the concept of a wedding ceremony. Darby was able to take our jumbled thoughts and transform them into a concrete service by doing a lot of leg work as far as finding readings, cultural traditions, and making sure everything we wanted to be said was heard. Without her guidance our special day wouldn't have been as magical as it was!"

--Luke & Tiffany M.

FUNERALS, MEMORIALS, LIFE CELEBRATIONS

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal;

love leaves a memory no one can steal."
--From an Irish headstone

When we lose someone we love, the process of planning a memorial service or funeral can be overwhelming. With the right guidance, it can also be a gentle, tender support to the grieving process. It will be my honor to sit with you, holding space for your grief as I get to know your loved one through your stories and memories. If your loved one left requests on how they wanted to be memorialized, I will fold them into your preferences. If you prefer, I can create the entire service. Either way, you can rest assured that your loved one will be remembered in a ceremony that honors both the person and their legacy.

"In my work for hospice I have attended so many memorial services of all faiths--this one was by far the most healing and spiritual service I have ever attended. The presence of God was evident. Darby...created a safe and deeply reverent space for us. I felt as though she spoke to me and my grief..I am so grateful for her wisdom and compassion at a time when I did not think there were any words of comfort possible." --Paula B.

BABY BLESSINGS

“A new baby is like the beginning of all things:

wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.”

--Eda J. LeShan

A new life is something to celebrate! Whether it's a newborn baby or an adopted child to be blessed and welcomed into your family, I am honored and delighted to create a sacred ceremony for the occasion. We can incorporate elements of various spiritual traditions, or none, as you prefer, and any or all of the following possible elements:

Rituals that honor the child's heritage and lineage;
Recognition of elders;
Promises to the child by parents and, if you choose, godparents.
Water ceremony
...and more!

Let's create a ceremony as unique as your little one, that blesses her/him and honors your family traditions!

"It was such a pleasure working with Rev. Darby for our son's baby blessing. She was very professional, communicative, reliable, and caring. It was an extremely beautiful ceremony. We had some last minute changes and she was able to adapt the ceremony like nothing ever happened. She was great at keeping in contact with us making sure we knew what was going on at all times. She made us feel very comfortable with the entire process. Her speech for the ceremony was very beautiful and inclusive of our entire family. We highly recommended her!"

--SueEllen and Jason

OTHER MILESTONE MOMENTS

"The more you praise and celebrate your life,

the more there is in life to celebrate."

--Oprah Winfrey